So, my regular MD has been monitoring my prescriptions of Norco and Flexiril for mystery pain and Xanax for anxiety for 10 years. Since it tends to take 2-3 months to get an appointment with him (and since his only reaction to my complaints about pain in the past were to give me Norco and Flexiril and send me home), when my pain got out of control I went to...

A Nurse Practitioner with 2 years experience figured out I had Fibromyalgia (for which I am eternally grateful). She prescribed a few things, none of which I take today. She referred me to...

A Rheumatologist confirmed the diagnosis. He prescribed Neurontin and signed me back to the NP.

During this time an Optomitrist referred me to an Opthamologist who is now in communication with the MD.

Also during this time a Physicians Assistant referred me to an Ob/Gyn who wasn't sure why I was there and...

The School Nurse that works in my office has referred me to a Gastroenterologist (?) and an Acupuncturist. (Our insurance, which thankfully I have, doesn't require a Drs. referral to see a specialist).

I know I'm not the only one here who knows this dizzying round of doctors and tests. And I know I'm not the only one who knows the frustration of the interviews and exams and tests that lead nowhere. But am I the only one who is confused about who is supposed to be in charge of all this stuff and how to make that happen?

Logic seems to say it should be my regular MD. But since his response to my complaints about pain haven't been particularly satisfying in the past and since something he said when I saw him a few weeks ago made me wonder if he's totally convinced Fibro is a legitimate diagnosis, I'm just not so sure. True, he does have some definite pros. Particularly the rapport we've built up over the years. Changing would mean breaking in a new doctor.

I see a board certified Internist as my primary care doctor. They do have more education than a general practioner. AND he believes in fibro. That is a must!

I also see an opthamologist, gynecologist, dermatologist, audiologist, and gastroenterologist! With all that I have wrong, I need these specialists. But, I always make sure that I let my Internist know if I've seen the other doctors. (I don't need referrals.) For me, this has worked.

Hi Sitchy, It is very frustrating when you hear one thing from one doctor and another fromanother doctor. Sometimes bloodwork isn't even definative. Because of this I have becomevery proactive in my health. I do alot of research, make copies of medical abstracts to bringwith me to appointments, and ask plenty of questions. I study about my conditions and in onecase helped a hematologist discover something he never looked for, Pseudothrombocytopeniacaused by platelet clotting due to the chemical EDTA inside the blood collection testube.Prior to this, I went through two bone marrow biopsies, and a spleen ultra sound, all unwarranted procedures. Pseudothrombocytopenia is very rare.

Keep a binder with copies of all your tests and labwork. You can learn to read your testsby using various websites online. You have a right to obtain copies of any tests taken.I share information with doctors and they know it. They all work together as a team now.

I have had healthcare in five differant states and have found that healthcare isn't any betterin one state. I have more than one crazy story when, it comes to medical procedures donein the past.

For a long time I had to deal with a different doctor for every part of my body and I didn't like it, this was before fibro. I really should change from my GP, I have been going to for about 15 yrs, to an internist but haven't taken that plunge as yet. I also see a rheumy every six months that I really like and trust. The GP is the one that dxd the fibro after months of testing so he does believe fibro is real. He sent me to a pain doc that I could tell didn't believe fibro was real so I never went back.

Me, too, Sherrine. This also is important to me; A regular GP may be good for the common cold, but with my particular bundle-o-illnesses, I want someone with more training and who keeps up with the new medical finds. In fact, my newest PCP is so good, I have dispensed with a rheumie.

I keep a running list on my computer of all my meds, so that when I go to a new doctor I just print it off and take it. I also keep the doctors I already see phone numbers and names in that file, so communication can be easier.

It is your right as a patient to find a new doctor if one does not listen to you. Ultimately, your health care is in your own hands.Fibromyalgia DX 2005. Ulcerative Colitis, arthritis, TMJ. Family History of Fibro--2 out of 3 siblings diagnosed.

There are three kinds of people in the world: ones who see the glass as half-full, ones who see the glass as half-empty, and others who see a big crack in the side which is leaking all over their %$#@# foot.

I too, am so sick of the dr. routine. It took me nearly 20 years to see a rhumetologist. I've had arthritis since I was 7 and the painwas getting unbearable. This was before the fibro dx. She blew me off on my first visit because I didn't have info from mycardiologist. Since I was going for my bones what did that have to do with my heart???? She sent me back to my GPwho gave me the fibro dx and tons of pills with horrible side effects. I started to go herbal and got off the nasty pills the expensive dr visits. At over $100 a visit for nothing it got a bit unbearable to my wallet. Last year I finally got down to 2 visits withthe GP. I go to the gyno every other year now and haven't been to the heart dr in nearly a year and a half. At $1000 to walk inthe door I just can't do it anymore.